Water Customers In East Bay Will Pay More

OAKLAND (KCBS) —- More than one million water customers in the East Bay are going to see their water rates increase by six percent this year and next after East Bay Municipal Utility District board members voted for the hikes Tuesday.

Not many people spoke at this East Bay MUD board hearing to raise water rates by six percent this year. Another six percent hike is set for 2012. This customer opposed the increases.

“I would really like to see East Bay MUD develop a rate structure that reasonably charges for essential and efficient use and charges heavily for wasteful use,” she said.

KCBS’ Dave Padilla Reports:

Board president John Coleman said he didn’t necessarily disagree with that customer, but he indicated that there are a number of factors in play here, including declining revenue, and escalating healthcare and pension costs as reasons for the 12 percent hike.

East Bay MUD serves 1.3 million customers in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The first of new two rate hikes takes effect July 1st.

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